NOVPUBRather than confirming or denying her deduction, David guided her toward a workstation positioned among the trees. "The cultivation process requires precise calibration of multiple interacting fields. The primary temporal field creates the differential flow, while secondary stabilization matrices prevent deterioration of cellular structures."
"Hey, don't change the subject!" Yue protested, though her eyes were already drawn to the equipment arranged before her. Scientific curiosity warred briefly with personal inquisitiveness before the former predictably won. "Oh fine, keep your secrets. But you'll have to explain the mathematical framework eventually."
The workstation contained an array of instruments unlike anything found in conventional alchemical laboratories. Crystal tuning forks of varying sizes stood mounted on resonance plates, while delicate silver filaments connected to a central device that hummed with barely restrained power.
"Is that—" Yue began, her voice dropping to a reverent whisper as she recognized the centerpiece.
"A Calatian harmonic resonator," David confirmed. "Seventh generation, modified but capable of dimensional work with minimal recalibration."
Yue approached the device with the care one might show a sleeping deity. The resonator's crystalline matrix glowed with inner light that shifted through colours beyond conventional spectrum, occasionally revealing geometries that seemed to extend into spaces the human mind wasn't designed to comprehend.
"It's magnificent," she breathed, childlike fingers hovering above the controls. "The crystalline matrix is perfectly aligned. How did you manage the calibration? The last known functioning model was lost during the Meridian Calamity."
"My grandmother had unusual connections as I said," David explained, though his tone suggested the explanation was carefully edited. "The original configuration was designed for medical applications, but I've since adapted it for broader use."
Yue tore her gaze from the resonator to study David with renewed intensity. "Whenever I think I've properly assessed your capabilities, you reveal another layer. It's becoming quite annoying, actually."
David laughed, the sound genuine despite the weighty implications of their discussion. "If it helps, I find your millennia of alchemical experience equally intimidating."
"As you should," Yue agreed with faux arrogance, already turning back to examine the cocoa trees. "These dimensional principles you're applying to botanical growth, they align remarkably well with the translocation theories we discussed at the guild. The same fundamental approach of manipulating dimensional boundaries rather than forcing conventional physical changes."
David nodded, moving to a control panel where glowing diagrams depicted the complex field interactions maintaining the accelerated growth environment. With practiced ease, he adjusted several parameters, causing the misty nutrient medium to shift colour slightly as its composition realigned.
"The key insight came when I realized conventional magical theory treats dimensions as absolute boundaries rather than permeable gradients," he explained, his fingers tracing an equation that appeared in glowing script above the panel. "By establishing harmonic resonance between our reality and adjacent dimensional spaces, we can create controlled overlap zones where different physical laws partially intersect."
Δψ = (∂²/∂t²)ψ - c² ∇²ψ + (m²c⁴/ħ²)ψ
The formula hung in the air between them, pulsing with golden light as secondary equations branched from its central structure, forming a mathematical tree that described the theory in elegant precision.
"The Luminarix equation," Yue identified, her voice softening with recognition. "But you've modified the temporal coefficient to account for organic degradation thresholds." Her small finger pointed to a specific variable in the equation's tertiary branch. "This integration method... it's ingenious. You're not forcing the botanical specimens to violate their natural limitations, you're simply allowing them to exist in a space where those limitations apply differently."
"Exactly," David confirmed, genuine enthusiasm warming his typically measured tone. "The same principle could theoretically apply to translocation. Instead of tearing holes in reality, we create harmonic bridges that allow matter to traverse dimensional boundaries without disruption."
Yue's eyes gleamed with possibilities. "And the applications extend far beyond mere transportation or botanical cultivation." She gestured expansively, intellectual excitement transforming her childlike features. "Healing methodologies, energy manipulation, perhaps even—"
She stopped abruptly, ancient wisdom reasserting control over momentary enthusiasm. "But of course, such power requires extraordinary safeguards. The potential for catastrophic failure increases exponentially with dimensional manipulation."
"Hence the stabilization matrix," David agreed, gesturing toward a secondary system of crystal pillars positioned around the greenhouse's perimeter. "Each pillar maintains a counter-resonance field that prevents uncontrolled expansion of the dimensional interfaces. Without them, the overlapping realities would eventually destabilize, creating a cascade effect that would..."
"Collapse both dimensional spaces," Yue finished, her expression sobering. "Yes, I'm familiar with the theoretical consequences. Though I'm surprised you've managed practical implementation without catastrophic incident." Her eyes narrowed slightly. "You've tested this extensively?"
"More than you might imagine," David replied, memories of his own dimensional fractures briefly darkening his expression before he mastered himself. "The mathematics is sound, provided the harmonic balance is maintained with absolute precision."
Yue hummed thoughtfully, circling the central cocoa trees once more. Her analytical mind was already extrapolating from botanical applications to the translocation possibilities they'd discussed at the Alchemist Guild. The underlying principles were identical, though the implementation would require significant adaptation.
"I'll need to calibrate the resonator specifically for translocation harmonics," she mused, mentally calculating requirements. "The field projection will need substantial reinforcement to accommodate mass transfer rather than simple temporal manipulation."
David watched her with quiet satisfaction as she delved deeper into the technical considerations, professional fascination temporarily overwhelming her habitual skepticism. For all her ancient knowledge and occasional arrogance, Yue remained at heart a true scholar, driven by curiosity and the pursuit of understanding above all else.
"Take whatever time you need," he offered. "The greenhouse is entirely at your disposal."
Yue waved distractedly, already lost in calculations as she examined the resonator's control systems. "Yes, yes. Though I'll need samples from the detention level of the Sun Castle to establish proper target coordinates. Preferably something with Salomonis's magical signature to create an anchor point."
"That's already being arranged," David assured her. "Angelica will deliver the necessary materials within the hour."
Yue paused her examination long enough to fix David with a penetrating stare. "You really do plan for everything, don't you? It's slightly unnerving."
David's expression remained carefully neutral. "Not everything. Just the possibilities with highest probability." He gestured toward the equipment surrounding them. "The resonator is capable of calculating potential futures based on current trajectories, though its accuracy diminishes exponentially with temporal distance."
"Probability manipulation," Yue murmured, eyes widening slightly. "Now you're treading into areas even I consider dangerous. The Calatians civilization collapsed precisely because they couldn't resist exploring such paths."
"I'm aware of the risks," David acknowledged, his tone suggesting personal experience rather than merely theoretical understanding. "The system is heavily restricted, used only for critical calculations where conventional methods prove insufficient."
Rather than pressing further, Yue returned to examining the cocoa trees, her practical nature reasserting itself. "These specimens are remarkable regardless of the dimensional theory behind them. The pod development suggests unprecedented flavonoid concentration." She peered closer at a nearly mature fruit. "Have you begun commercial applications?"
A hint of amusement crossed David's features. "We've begun limited distribution, though the process remains inconsistent." He gestured toward a section where several pods had withered on the branch, their surfaces darkened compared to their thriving counterparts. "As you can see, the theory isn't fully perfected. About thirty percent of the specimens fail during the final maturation phase."
Yue moved closer to examine the withered pods, her ancient eyes narrowing with professional interest. "Dimensional desynchronization during the critical conversion phase. Your temporal field fluctuates too widely at the cellular boundary." She glanced at him with a raised eyebrow. "This is why you sought me out, isn't it? You need help stabilizing the conversion matrices."
"Your understanding of alchemical transmutation is unparalleled," David acknowledged without hesitation. "My approach is sound in theory, but the practical implementation requires refinement that only someone with your experience could provide."
Yue's childlike features arranged themselves into a satisfied smile. "Finally, an admission that you need me. Though I suspect your economic motivations extend beyond simple profit from superior chocolate."
David inclined his head slightly, acknowledging her perception without elaborating. "Every piece serves multiple purposes."
As if suddenly remembering the original reason for their visit to the manor, Yue's expression sharpened. "Speaking of purposes, we're operating under time constraints regarding Salomonis. Will your plan require specialized alchemical components beyond the translocation array?"
"Several," David confirmed, motioning for her to follow him to another section of the greenhouse where more conventional alchemical equipment stood arrayed in precise order. "I've assembled basic components, but your expertise with phantom trace elements would significantly enhance our options."
Yue's childlike features arranged themselves into an expression of smug satisfaction. "Finally, an acknowledgment of my superior knowledge. I was beginning to think you believed yourself omniscient."
"Far from it," David replied with unexpected sincerity. "My knowledge has significant gaps, particularly in theoretical alchemy. Your centuries of experience represent an irreplaceable resource."
The compliment, delivered without flattery or exaggeration, seemed to catch Yue off-guard. For a moment, genuine respect passed between them—two individuals of extraordinary capability recognizing each other's unique value.
"Well then," Yue said briskly, recovering her usual imperious manner, "let's not waste time with mutual admiration when there's work to be done. Show me these components and I'll tell you what's missing."
As they delved into technical preparations, the greenhouse's crystal panels captured the strengthening midday sun, scattering rainbow light across equipment that bridged ancient knowledge and innovations yet to be discovered by the wider world.
